Processing keyword: ~못하다 [mothada] (Cannot)

Korean Grammar Point: ~못하다 [mothada] (Cannot)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing the inability to do something is essential for everyday communication. The grammar point ~못하다 is commonly used to indicate that someone cannot or is unable to perform an action. Understanding how to use ~못하다 correctly will enhance your ability to express limitations and prohibitions in Korean.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The construction ~못하다 is attached to the stem of a verb to express the inability to do that action. It conveys that someone cannot do something due to various reasons such as lack of ability, circumstances, or external factors.

• 못: An adverb meaning "cannot" or "unable to".
• 하다: The verb "to do". When combined, they modify the main verb to indicate inability.

Meaning, Structure, Formation Diagram

Structure:

[Verb Stem] + 지 못하다

Alternatively, 못 can be placed directly before the verb:

못 + [Verb]

Formation Diagram:

Position	Component	Role
Before verb	못	Indicates inability (adverb)
Verb stem + 지	지	Connective particle (negation)
못하다	못하다	"Cannot do" (auxiliary verb)

Visual Aid

Placing 못 before the verb:

제가 피아노를 **못 칩니다**.
(I cannot play the piano.)

Using ~지 못하다 after the verb stem:

제가 피아노를 치**지 못합니다**.
(I cannot play the piano.)

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3. Comparative Analysis

못 vs. 안

• 못: Indicates inability due to circumstances or lack of ability.
  • Example: 시간이 없어서 숙제를 못 했어요. (I couldn't do my homework because I didn't have time.)
• 안: Indicates refusal or decision not to do something.
  • Example: 숙제를 안 했어요. (I didn't do my homework.)

~지 못하다 vs. ~지 않다

• ~지 못하다: Cannot do something.
  • Example: 달리지 못해요. (I cannot run.)
• ~지 않다: Do not do something (by choice).
  • Example: 달리지 않아요. (I do not run.)

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Situations

1. 저는 술을 마시지 못합니다.
   • Translation: I cannot drink alcohol.
2. 그는 한국어를 읽지 못해요.
   • Translation: He cannot read Korean.

Informal Situations

1. 나 오늘 영화 못 봐.
   • Translation: I can't watch the movie today.
2. 우리는 그곳에 가지 못해.
   • Translation: We can't go there.

Spoken Language

1. 비가 와서 등산 못 해요.
   • Translation: Because it's raining, I can't hike.
2. 감기에 걸려서 학교에 못 갔어요.
   • Translation: I caught a cold, so I couldn't go to school.

Written Language

1. 기술적인 문제로 인해 서비스를 제공하지 못합니다.
   • Translation: We cannot provide the service due to technical issues.
2. 죄송하지만, 요청하신 정보를 찾지 못했습니다.
   • Translation: Sorry, but we couldn't find the information you requested.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, expressing inability politely is important to maintain harmony and show respect. Using formal forms like ~지 못합니다 is common in official settings or when speaking to someone of higher status.

Idiomatic Expressions

1. 손을 못 대다
   • Literal Translation: Cannot put one's hand on
   • Meaning: Cannot handle something
   • Example: 그 일은 너무 어려워서 손을 못 대겠어요.
     • Translation: That task is so difficult that I can't handle it.
2. 입을 못 열다
   • Literal Translation: Cannot open one's mouth
   • Meaning: Cannot speak (due to shyness, shock)
   • Example: 갑작스러운 소식에 입을 못 열었어요.
     • Translation: I couldn't speak due to the sudden news.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using 안 instead of 못
   • Incorrect: 시간이 없어서 숙제를 안 했어요.
     • Translation: I didn't do my homework (I chose not to).
   • Correct: 시간이 없어서 숙제를 못 했어요.
     • Translation: I couldn't do my homework (I was unable to).
2. Misplacing 못 in a sentence
   • Incorrect: 저는 마시지 못해요 술을.
   • Correct: 저는 술을 마시지 못해요.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of 못 as "mo-" in "mo-tionless," indicating inability to move/do something.
• Practice: Create sentences using 못 and ~지 못하다 with different verbs to become familiar with placement and usage.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 못 is used before a verb to express inability.
• ~지 못하다 is added after the verb stem to express the same meaning.
• Use 못 for inability, 안 for deliberate action not taken.
• Be mindful of formality levels when choosing endings.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct form of 못:
   • 비가 와서 축구를 ______.
2. Translate to Korean using ~지 못하다:
   • I cannot sleep.
3. True or False:
   • Using 안 and 못 interchangeably is acceptable.

Answers

1. 못 해요.
2. 저는 잠을 자지 못해요.
3. False.

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